China to Prosecute 24 Over Shanghai Apartment Building Fire

Those charged include local government officials, construction company heads, construction supervisors, and welders who lacked the proper qualifications, according to the China Daily newspaper. The welders are blamed for causing the Nov. 15 blaze by ignoring safety precautions.

Investigators found a construction company failed safety checks but won the contract for the project after bribing officials, the reports said.

The fire swept through the 28-story building after welding sparks set alight nylon netting and bamboo scaffolding set up as part of an exterior renovation. Most of the victims were overcome by smoke, toxic fumes and heat and died inside their own homes. Another 71 people were injured.